A resurfaced video from 2023 is creating new political headwinds for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, as clips of the entrepreneur questioning the status of the state he now hopes to lead circulate on social media. The footage, originally recorded during a visit to Hillsdale College, shows Ramaswamy hesitating to name Ohio as his favorite state, sparking a fresh wave of criticism from political opponents.
In the clip, which has gained traction this week, Ramaswamy is seen answering a question from a student from Indiana regarding his favorite state. While he acknowledges his roots in Ohio, he is heard stating, Ohio is a good state. I can’t say it’s the best state
. The exchange concludes with Ramaswamy chuckling as the student identifies her native Indiana as her own favorite.
The timing of the video’s resurgence coincides with a tightening race for the Ohio governor’s mansion. Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and biotech entrepreneur, is currently locked in a high-profile contest against Democrat Dr. Amy Acton, the state’s former COVID-era health director. Recent polling from EMC Research, Inc. Suggests a challenging path for the Republican, with reports indicating he trails Acton by 10 points according to Newsweek.
Ohio Gov. Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slams Ohio:
“Ohio is a good state, I can’t say it’s the best state.” pic.twitter.com/NfuWT9bGT1
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) May 1, 2026
Political Fallout and Opponent Reactions
Dr. Amy Acton has wasted no time in leveraging the footage to frame Ramaswamy as disconnected from the everyday realities of the state. Acton described the candidate as an out-of-touch billionaire
who looks down upon the residents of Ohio. She further alleged that Ramaswamy has characterized Ohioans as lazy
and mediocre
, suggesting he views the state from the detached perspective of a private jet.
The criticism extends beyond the specific “best state” comment. Ramaswamy has faced scrutiny over his proposed educational reforms, including his stated intention to shut down public colleges and universities he deems subpar
as reported by News 5 Cleveland. This stance has created friction with academic institutions and students at a time when public university enrollment in Ohio has declined by 14% over the last decade.
Despite the backlash, the Ohio Republican Party is attempting to neutralize the impact of the video. Ohio GOP Chair Alex Triantafilou dismissed the clip as a gotcha
moment, arguing that such out-of-context snippets will not determine the outcome of the election. Triantafilou defended the candidate, stating that Vivek is a man of ideas
.
From DOGE to the Governor’s Race
Ramaswamy’s transition to the gubernatorial race follows a brief and contentious period in federal politics. He was originally tapped by President Donald Trump to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting commission led alongside Elon Musk. However, Ramaswamy stepped down from the role in January 2025 to maintain his eligibility and independence for a run for elected office according to the Associated Press.
His candidacy represents a significant shift for the Ohio GOP, moving toward a candidate with high national name recognition but no prior experience in public office. This mirrors the profile of his opponent, Dr. Acton, who also has not held elected office but brings extensive administrative experience from her tenure as a state health official.
Comparative Candidate Profiles
| Feature | Vivek Ramaswamy (R) | Dr. Amy Acton (D) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Background | Biotech Entrepreneur / Author | Physician / Former Health Director |
| Prior Elected Office | None | None |
| Key Policy Focus | Govt Efficiency / University Reform | Public Health / Everyday Ohioan Needs |
| Recent Political Role | DOGE Co-Chair (Resigned 2025) | COVID-era Health Director |
What This Means for the General Election
The resurfacing of the Hillsdale College video highlights a critical vulnerability in Ramaswamy’s campaign: the perception of “authenticity” and “belonging.” In a state like Ohio, where regional pride is a potent political force, any suggestion that a candidate views the state as second-best can be weaponized by opponents to alienate working-class voters.
For the Ramaswamy campaign, the challenge will be to pivot from these “gotcha” moments back to his core platform of disruptive efficiency and economic overhaul. For Acton, the strategy appears to be centering the race on a contrast between a “billionaire” perspective and a “provider” perspective, leveraging Ramaswamy’s own words to build a narrative of elitism.
As the race progresses toward the November election, both candidates are focusing on building their tickets. Ramaswamy recently announced his pick for running mate, selecting a seasoned conservative lawmaker to balance his outsider image per AP reporting.
The next major checkpoint for the race will be the upcoming GOP primary, where Ramaswamy must solidify his base of support and demonstrate that his “man of ideas” persona outweighs the potential damage of resurfaced clips and controversial policy proposals.
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